Living Justice Speaker Series – 2009

Are you looking for a forum where current social issues are presented and discussed in an intelligent and open manner? Join us for the “Living Justice Speaker Series” sponsored by social ministry at St. Francis Xavier College Church.

In 2007, we initiated a speaker series on social justice topics in order to raise awareness among parishioners and St. Louis residents about social justice issues, both in the U.S. and globally. Topics are chosen each year by the Social Ministry Commission and Advocacy Committee members at College Church based on their relevance to current social issues and injustices being observed both locally and internationally. The presentations are supported with honest, historical data and will provide a forum for dialogue and discussion of the topics.

In 2008 the Series took a Closer Look at Immigration, the Obstacles Facing Ex-Offenders and we hosted a Pre-Election Town Hall Event with legislators.

The topics for the 2009 Series are:

• The Face of Hunger in our City, State and World – Sunday, March 15, 2009
• A Closer Look at Affordable Housing in St. Louis – Sunday, April 26, 2009
• Workshop on Racism – Saturday, November 14, 2009

Workshop on Racism – Saturday, November 14, 9 AM – 3 PM

This is a collaborative, inter-faith workshop at College Church that is jointly sponsored by St. Francis Xavier Church, the Charles Lwanga Center, St. Alphonsus "Rock" Church – Peace & Justice Committee, Third Baptist Church, St. Margaret of Scotland – Social Justice Committee, and the Institute for Peace and Justice.

As committed faith and civic community members, we hope to become more aware of racism and how it impacts our lives in St. Louis today. In the morning sessions, our keynote speaker and panel of experts will help us understand the history of racism in St. Louis and its current realities as witnessed in education, housing, employment, and criminal justice systems. After lunch, and with your participation, we will begin developing some collective and individual actions for addressing racism in our City.

Details on the event can be found here.

Volunteer!

If you have a strong interest in these topics, or if you would like to serve on a panel or planning committee for these events, please contact Vicki Simon at vsimon1@slu.edu or call 977-7309.